Finding the Best Wireless Print Servers for You
Introduction
Wireless print servers are a convenient way to connect your printer to your home or office network, allowing you to print from any device connected to the network. However, with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs. This article will provide some tips on how to select a wireless print server.
Consider Your Printer
The first thing to consider when choosing a wireless print server is your printer. Not all wireless print servers are compatible with all printers, so it's important to check the manufacturer's website or documentation to make sure that the print server you're considering is compatible with your printer.
Check the Protocols Supported
Wireless print servers typically support one or more protocols for connecting to your printer. The most common protocols are Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. If your printer supports Ethernet, a print server with an Ethernet port will be the easiest to set up and will provide the most reliable connection. If your printer doesn't have an Ethernet port, you'll need a print server that supports Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
In addition to the basic functionality of connecting your printer to your network, some wireless print servers offer additional features that can be useful. For example, some print servers have built-in web servers, allowing you to access your printer from a web browser. Others have support for mobile printing, allowing you to print from your smartphone or tablet.
Consider Your Network
It's also important to consider the network you'll be using with your wireless print server. If you have a large network with multiple devices, you'll want to make sure the print server can handle the traffic and has enough memory to store print jobs. If you have a small network with only a few devices, a basic print server will likely be sufficient.
Read Reviews
Before making a purchase, it's always a good idea to read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the pros and cons of a particular print server. Look for reviews from customers who have used the print server with the same make and model of printer as you have to get a better idea of how well it will work for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right wireless print server for your needs involves considering your printer, the protocols supported, extra features, your network, and customer reviews. By taking these factors into account, you can select a wireless print server that will provide reliable and convenient printing for your home or office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I use my wireless router as a print server?
To use your wireless router as a print server, you need to connect the printer to the router using an Ethernet cable. This involves connecting one end of the cable to the printer and the other end to an available port on the router. After that, you can turn on the printer and print a configuration page to ensure it is set up correctly.
2. How do I add a wireless printer to my print server?
To add a wireless printer to your print server, follow these steps: press the Windows key, click Settings, go to Devices > Printers & Scanners, click Add a printer, select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings, and choose Create a new port. From there, you can proceed with the setup process to connect your wireless printer to the print server.
3. How do I print wirelessly?
To print wirelessly, you need to connect your printer to your home WiFi network. Start by locating the printer settings and linking it to your WiFi network. Once the printer is connected, make sure to locate the printer settings on your computer and connect it to the printer. This will enable you to print wirelessly from your computer to the printer.
4. Can I plug my printer into my router and print wirelessly?
Yes, you can plug your printer into your router and print wirelessly. Most printers have a Wi-Fi setup wizard or network setup wizard that guides you through the process of connecting the printer to your wireless router. Some printers also offer the option to connect using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). By following the printer's instructions, you can establish a wireless connection and print without the need for a cable.
5. Can I use an old router as a print server?
Technically, a router is not a print server. However, if your printer supports Wi-Fi connections, you can set it up as a network-connected printer. This allows any computer on your network to print to the printer. So, while an old router may not function as a dedicated print server, you can still utilize it to connect your printer wirelessly and enable printing from multiple devices.
6. Can I connect my printer to Wi-Fi without the cable?
Yes, you can connect your printer to Wi-Fi without using a cable. Many printers support Wi-Fi connectivity. You can use your device's Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) mode to connect the printer to your wireless network. This method allows you to connect even if you don't know the network name. Simply follow the steps provided by your printer and have your wireless router nearby to complete the setup.
Editor's Notes
During our wireless print server research, we found 24 wireless print server products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,451 customer reviews through our big data system to write the wireless print servers list. We found that most customers choose wireless print servers with an average price of $64.33.
The wireless print servers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of wireless print servers, including DYMO, Xiiaozet, CHEECENT, Lexmark, quxas. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 137 consumers with an average rating of 4.4.
Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.
